There are also a strange enduring idea about pads that they’re a ‘starter’ option – something you use before you graduate to more grown-up methods.

Much better then, surely, to go for a tampon or cup, doing less harm to the world and meaning you can wear thongs and go about your daily life without worrying about leakage?

In an ideal world, sure. But for most people who use pads, there are legitimate reasons,

Mental health and human rights campaigner Nikki, 21, says that worries about toxic shock syndrome prompted her to stick with pads once she’d started her period. She also says they’re simply more comfortable, but she still has to field nasty comments from friends.

She told Metro.co.uk: ‘When I’ve bought pads before if I’ve been with a friend they say, ‘what are you, 12?’ and it’s just rude. People who have periods should be able to use whatever they want for whatever reasons.’

(Picture: Getty)

23-year-old marketing assistant Chloe, 23 has similar reasons for using sanitary pads. She says:

‘I prefer them for comfort and for ease of changing them when i’m out and about, I’ve been very uncomfortable with tampons in the past (like not being able to sit down properly!)’. She says, she ‘may just been I’ve not got the knack of applying tampons properly but who has time to faff around getting the knack in this busy day and age?!’

Apart from the pamphlet that comes with the box, many don’t have the adequate help to get started using tampons when they’re younger, and then become too embarrassed to ask as the years go by. When you then move on to cups and the different folding and insertion techniques you’re adding a whole extra level of tribulation to your menstruation.

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Jessica, a 21-year-old digital PR executive tells us:

‘Something about the idea of tampons just doesn’t sit right with me. I know they’re completely safe but I always get so worried about them going too far or getting stuck up there (even though I know that sounds stupid). I also get worried about TSS (toxic shock syndrome) even though I know the chances of contracting that are SO slim. I guess it’s just a psychological thing, I prefer pads because I like to know they’re staying OUT of my body!

I certainly wasn’t educated on TSS at school. Toxic shock warnings are all over tampon packs which can breed a sense of urgency, but a simple lesson on how long to leave them in and which absorbency to use could assuage fears.

What is TSS?

‘Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins.

It’s often associated with tampon use in young women, but it can affect anyone of any age – including men and children.’

There are plenty of ways you can reduce your risk (even though it’s already small). Find out more here.

The misinformation still comes from all directions, with Jessica saying that people ask her things like ‘ew, isn’t that unhygienic though?’ and ‘how can you sit there with one on!?’

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Chloe also says that if she can’t go swimming, for example, people say to her ‘well, use a tampon instead’ as if it’s some standard option that she hasn’t remotely considered (discounting that they’re genuinely uncomfortable for her).

Retail manager Niamh, 27, has never liked using tampons. Although her friends call pads ‘bulky’, she says, ‘I prefer that over feeling physically ‘off’’.

Pad shaming is something she’s experienced since school, saying, ‘If I didn’t go swimming or such like I’d get peers asking why I didn’t just use a tampon.’

‘If I tried to explain some would say it was cause I was overthinking it or being ridiculous, when really it’s just my preference. I find tampons physically uncomfortable and when I’ve tried to use them I found it painful.’

Although all the women I spoke to said that they’re now able to deal with the snide comments maturely and are happy with their decisions, it’s not something that should be considered a joke.

When we already have enough criticism of our bodies and reproductive health choices, the last thing we need is to be berating each other over whether we plug up our menses or not.